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Trudy condemns rail union strike action on Cumbrian Coastal Line

Trudy Harrison has today condemned the strike action of rail union RMT which has left ‘the most vulnerable' in the community without any public transport and businesses suffering’.

Speaking today in Questions to the Prime Minister, Trudy blasted the ongoing strike action following assurances from the Secretary of State for Transport last week that guards will be retained on board Northern services on the Cumbrian Coastal Line.

It comes after rail union bosses offered to suspend strike action and get back round the table if operators meet "crucial guarantees".

These guarantees include a second member of staff on board all trains, who is safety critical to the running of all services and will retain the full suite of safety and operational competencies of the guard.

Mrs Harrison, said: “In Cumbria, we have endured 42 days of strike action this year despite the Transport Secretary giving assurance that the guards would not be removed from the Cumbrian Coastal Line.

“Will my RHF, the PM condemn the continuous Saturday strike action by RMT which has left the most vulnerable in my community without any public transport and businesses suffering, in the run up to Christmas.”

In response Mrs May, said: I do indeed condemn the action that has been taken by the RMT, which as my hon. Friend says is leading to people and businesses suffering. We call on the RMT to end the strikes. The jobs have been guaranteed beyond this franchise. There is no reason to continue this needless action.

The message is very clear: “Stop the strikes, get round the table and put passengers first

Mrs Harrison has requested an urgent meeting with RMT’s Relief Regional Organiser, Craig Johnston to continue to press for a resolution.